Damp and Timber Independent Surveys: What To Expect

Damp and timber issues are common hidden problems in London properties, and they’re often overlooked in structural surveys and mortgage valuations. If they are allowed to progress, you could end up with a health and safety hazard on your hands, not to mention a costly repair bill. Damp and timber independent surveys are thorough inspections of properties that focus on these issues. This means they can be caught early and resolved effectively.

This article will help you understand what to expect when you commission a survey of a property.

Initial Discussion and Property Inspection

Damp and timber issues are more common in older properties, so the surveyor may ask you some questions about the property’s history. You can use this time to inform them of any visible issues you’ve noticed or damp and timber treatments you’ve had done in the past. The surveyor will then perform a visual inspection of the property, both inside and out. They’ll make a note of any symptoms or potential causes of problems they see.

Testing and Assessment

Moisture-related problems don’t always happen in visible places, which is why your surveyor will also use a variety of tools to perform a more in-depth inspection. For instance, they’ll use a moisture meter to check whether the moisture content of the property’s walls and beams falls within a normal range. Besides catching hidden issues, this can help you spot problems before symptoms appear. It’s often much easier to treat them at this stage.

Reporting and Recommendations

Damp and timber independent surveys always end with a detailed report. This details all the problems and potential issues the surveyor found, providing evidence such as photographs and moisture-meter readings. For every damp and timber problem they find, the surveyor will identify the cause and offer remedial advice. This is when your choice to hire an independent damp surveyor becomes important.

Why Choose an Independent Damp Surveyor?

What makes an independent damp and timber survey different is that the surveyor doesn’t also do the remedial work. Companies that treat damp and timber problems often also do surveys, and although many are honest, there is an incentive for them to be less than accurate in the report. With an independent surveyor, you know you’re getting the objective facts.

How Long Does the Survey Take?

The duration really depends on the size and condition of the property. As a rough guideline, a standard residential property with two or three bedrooms typically takes a couple of hours. Larger properties will take longer. The report is generally delivered within a week from the survey day.

How Much Does and Independent Damp and Timber Survey Cost?

How much an independent damp and timber survey costs also depends on the size of the property, as well as other factors like location. You’re usually looking at several hundred pounds. It’s important to remember that independent surveyors cannot subsidise survey costs by selling you treatments. The fee is also modest compared to the repair bill for advanced damp issues.

Conclusion

Damp and timber independent surveys don’t take long, but they can be very helpful for anyone maintaining or buying a property. Call London Damp Specialists on 020 7523 5882 to arrange your survey today.